“No fashion. No gimmicks. A vehicle relied on in extremes and emergencies by doctors and soldiers; a passport to outdoor adventures, creating freedom for the driver and the passenger. Now how do you redefine such an icon?” asked Sir Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer at Jaguar Land Rover, as he introduced the New Land Rover Defender at the highly anticipated new model’s world premiere on May 10th.

The New Defender was unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show in front of the eyes of millions of Land Rover enthusiasts across the planet.

“From day one, this challenging project has been driven by respect for the original, and the same pioneering spirit and passion that drove the Wilks brothers 70 years ago,” Speth continued. “The New Defender captures its very essence: instantly recognisable, all-terrain capability beyond question. The real deal.”

We know that, despite such a fantastic introduction, words alone cannot describe the Defender, a timeless SUV loved by Land Rover enthusiasts all over the world. From the moment the British automaker announced that a New Defender was in production, car lovers have kept their ears close to the ground for any information or footage before the highly anticipated new model announced itself to the world.

But why is the Land Rover Defender so loved? What do we know about the New 2020 Defender? And when will it be available to test drive, order and own? We’ve answered all of your questions in our quick, go-to guide…

Can I rewatch the New Defender’s launch?

You can indeed! Check out the video to rewatch the world premiere of the New Defender…

Ben, our Managing Director, was actually fortunate enough to be invited to Frankfurt following the world premiere. He enjoyed a day of exploring the beauty and capability of the New Defender. Here are some of the best photos he took throughout the exclusive event…

What can the New Defender do?

In the words of Autocar, “The new Defender is the most capable off-roader Land Rover has built”. Here are just some of its class-leading capabilities:

Capability – Unstoppable. Anywhere.

Throughout the last several decades, the Defender has built a tremendous reputation for its off-road capability, and the new model certainly does not disappoint in this department.

Thanks to its all-terrain capability, the New Defender’s All Wheel Drive system can tackle the toughest terrains and most extreme conditions. The updated 4×4 also boasts a configurable terrain response that allows you to personalise your off-road preferences to suit your adventure. Meanwhile, its shortened front and rear overhangs allow it to approach bends and stops with ease.

The New Defender is an adventurer’s dream, with a dynamic roof carrying load of up to 168kg and static load of 300kg. As capable on the road as it is off it, the New Defender can wade up to a depth of 900mm. You’ll never have to worry about packing light when it comes to this particular Land Rover thanks to its 3,500kg towing capacity and remote control electric winch, which has a maximum pulling force of 4,536kg.

Design – Instantly Recognisable.

“Land Rover Defender is a compelling story of emotionally engaging design and engineering integrity,” says Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer at Land Rover. The design team at Land Rover have modelled the New Defender on its predecessor’s distinctive, instantly recognisable look, but with added modern features.

The most dramatic update probably comes from within the cabin. Its interior allows for complete customisation, with a cabin walk-through providing enough flexibility for passengers to shift between the front and rear row for additional storage space. There is also a front jump seat to accommodate additional passengers, as well as a central console with a refrigerator, which is perfect for long journeys.

Technology – Always on. Always Ready.

The New Defender is equipped with Land Rover’s most advanced technology to date. The New Pivi Pro infotainment system delivers full connectivity and essential information at a glance, including navigation and a head-up display that presents speed, gear position and directions on the windscreen.

Wireless charging, ClearSight Ground View, remote control and Wi-Fi are all also available with the innovative New Defender. In terms of interior comfort, New Defender owners will benefit from a Meridian Surround Sound System, interior climate control, heated and cooled seats and premium, configurable cabin lighting.

Where did the 2020 Defender appear before its world premiere?

Those lucky enough to attend Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019 got a fantastic glimpse at the New Defender in action before its world premiere. A camouflaged model was on display at the massive auto event, with visitors to the Jaguar Land Rover stand able to explore it in more detail than ever before as well as watch it on the infamous Hill Climb.

History of the Land Rover Defender

The Defender is often referred to as the vehicle that started it all in terms of Land Rover’s ever-increasing popularity and affiliation with adventure.

It all began in 1983, when Land Rover produced the One-Ten and Ninety, two coil-sprung 4x4s with four-cylinder engines. These models followed the original Land Rover Station Wagon (1948) and Series II and Series III models in 1950s and 70s.

Land Rover then released these new models in 1990 under a new, exciting name: Defender. Proving popular throughout the next two decades, Land Rover had no choice but to give people what they wanted: an updated edition.

Enter 2007’s major Defender evolution, which featured a major facelift to modernise the fantastic, iconic model that had grown to become synonymous with Land Rover’s rich heritage and rugged capability.

Throughout the 2010s there have been small updates, tweaks and special editions to the Defender before it ended production in 2016, but it was not until recently that a whole new model was announced, causing widespread excitement among SUV fans globally.

2020 Land Rover Defender Testing

As is the case with every new Land Rover, the New Defender is currently going through the toughest, most rigorous tests all over the world.

The new model was recently spotted in Kenya, successfully completing a demanding test that entailed Africa’s lion conservation initiatives.

Towing supplies, tracking wildlife and fording rivers, this was the ultimate test for the 2020 Defender, and it passed with flying colours.

“We are now in the advanced stages of the new Defender’s testing and development phase. Working with our partners at Tusk in Kenya enabled us to gather valuable performance data,” said Charles Mayhew, Chief Executive of Tusk. “The Borana reserve features a wide range of challenging environments, making it a perfect place to test to the extreme the all-terrain attributes of the new Defender.”

Can I Order the New Land Rover Defender?

Following the unstoppable 4×4’s world debut on 10 September, you are now able to order the New Defender 90 and 110 from Duckworth’s. Call 01205 722110 to speak to our Boston team, or 01673 842101 for Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.

Martin Duckworth Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd’s permissions as a Principal Firm allows Martin Duckworth Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as a lender, for the introduction to a limited number of finance providers and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance mediation activities only.